The event was organised before she was a Liberal candidate, but Mr Turnbull instead attended a different Chinese New Year event in Melbourne.

Senate crossbencher Rex Patrick wants Ms Liu investigated by security agencies while One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said the prime minister should reassure Australians the MP was " there for the right reasons in the parliament".

Ms Liu, who was born in Hong Kong, said any suggestions she wasn't a proud Australian and passionate Chisholm MP were "deeply offensive".